Zelenskyy: We are certain that Russia will have a second invasion, and security must come first before compromise; compromise does not mean giving up territory
On February 16, Zelenskyy introduced his remarks in an interview with Politico on Telegram. The full text is as follows:
When you ask those who are under fire and who themselves are not aggressors for compromise, what can you offer them? They don't believe anyone.
They don't believe anyone, because we had the Budapest Memorandum. That was a security guarantee. We gave up our nuclear weapons and other weapons. There were also many planes—dozens of them. We gave these up in exchange for security guarantees for our sovereignty and independence.
As a result, we lost these weapons and also lost the security guarantees. No one protected our independence. This is a fact. That's why it's understandable why people don't trust. They don't live in a fantasy world. They are realists, and they have lost too much: relatives, homes, their original way of life.
That is why people must see what security guarantees really mean. What happens if Russia comes? Many of them do not ask "What happens if they come?" but rather "What happens when they come again?" Because they are sure that the Russians will invade again. They just say, "No, we won't run away. We just want to know what it means. What is the cost? What does the security guarantee from world leaders—the United States—really mean?"
Our American friends—They are preparing for security guarantees. But they say: first, take steps such as territorial exchanges, and then talk about security guarantees. I think security guarantees must come first. Second, we are ready for compromise, and that does not mean we will give up territory. What kind of compromise are we ready for? Not one that gives Russia the chance to quickly recover and return to occupy us again. This is important.
This is our priority. But regardless, security guarantees will only take effect after approval by Congress. What is there to fear? I don't understand. We can sign documents regarding Ukraine's security guarantees with leaders. This would be a strong signal to the people: the United States will provide help and support, and if Russia comes again, Europeans will be with you. After that, you can talk to Ukrainians about what concessions they are willing to make.
I said this in my interview with Politico. Ukraine thanks everyone who has listened to us, supported us, and done everything possible to end this war with dignity through aid and diplomatic efforts.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1857330182044748/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.